Postdoctoral Fellows at Harvard University
 

Benefits & Support / Ombuds & Grievance

The University Ombudsman Office

The University Ombudsman Office is open to all Harvard University faculty, staff, fellows, students and retirees. The Ombudsman Office provides a confidential forum where issues may be openly discussed and options for resolution may be generated. Issues may include academic advancement, interpersonal conflicts, harassment, and policy clarification. The Office is an independent resource for problem resolution and strives to see that all members of the University community are treated equitably and fairly. Lydia Cummings, the Ombudsman, can provide confidential and informal assistance to help resolve issues related to workplace and learning environments. She can help analyze and assess avenues for conflict resolution, including assistance and coaching with both written and verbal communications. A visitor may discuss issues and concerns with the Ombudsman without committing to further disclosure or any formal resolution. Information concerning any visit will not be disclosed without the visitor’s permission, absent compelling reasons (e.g., a court order or a potential threat to safety). Office operations are consistent with the code of ethics and the practices of the International Ombudsman Association. Next steps are always determined by the visitor, depending on the circumstances and comfort with possible options. An ombudsman is confidential, independent, and neutral.

Contact: Lydia Cummings, Ombudsman
University Ombudsman Office
Holyoke Center, Suite 748
(617) 495-7748
University_ombudsman@harvard.edu
www.universityombudsman.harvard.edu

HMS, HSDM & HSPH Ombuds Office

The Ombudsperson of HMS provides an impartial review to surface and fairly resolve problems that arise within the organizations, and to give generic upward feedback on systemic concerns to senior management. The Ombudsperson is a designated neutral and, as such, does not advocate for any individual or point of view. As an impartial complaint-handler, the Ombudsperson strives to see that people are treated fairly and equitably. The Office is independent of any existing administrative or academic structures and is responsible only to the dean of each school.

Contact: Linda Wilcox
(617-432-4041)
http://www.hms.harvard.edu/ombuds

Helpful Articles on Postdoc Conflict Resolution

Butting Heads: Conflict Resolution for Postdocs, Part I

Butting Heads: Conflict Resolution for Postdocs, Part II

HSPH Grievance Procedures For Non-Faculty Academic Appointees (08/16/04)